John Bacher, Two Billion Trees and Counting: The Legacy of Edmund Zavitz

Edmund Zavitz (1875-1968) rescued Ontario from the ravages of increasingly more powerful floods, erosion, and deadly fires. Wastelands were taking over many hectares of once-flourishing farmlands and towns, all because of extensive deforestation. Zavitz held the positions of chief forester of Ontario, deputy minister of forests, and director of reforestation. His first pilot reforestation project was in 1905, and from then on Zavitz educated the public and politicians about the need to protect Ontario forests. Recognition of the ongoing need to plant trees to protect our future continues as the legacy of Edmund Zavitz.